U.S. conducts 7th SOUTHCOM strike against Colombian cartel boat

On October 20, 2025, the United States conducted its seventh strike under U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), targeting and destroying a boat associated with a Colombian cartel. This operation is part of a larger military presence in the region, which includes over 10,000 U.S. troops, primarily stationed in Puerto Rico and aboard 12 U.S. Navy ships.

In addition to the strike, U.S. Air Force B-52H bombers and U.S. Marine Corps F-35B fighters executed a bomber attack demonstration. Special forces have been reported near Trinidad and Tobago, and AC-130J Ghostrider gunships have been deployed to Puerto Rico. The U.S. Navy has also sent additional ships to the area, including the Military Sealift Command oilers USNS Henry J. Kaiser and USNS Kanawha, as well as the U.S. Army landing craft utility USAV Wilson Wharf and the littoral combat ship USS Wichita, which has replaced the USS Minneapolis-St. Paul.

Furthermore, the New York Times reported that the U.S. has installed a new long-range radar system (AN/TPS-75) in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, and constructed a new bunker for ammunition storage and drone operations at Rafael Hernández Airport. A new Joint Task Force under the II Marine Expeditionary Force has also been established. Admiral Holsey, the SOUTHCOM Commander, is set to retire.

Last week, President of the United States acknowledged the authorization for the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela, stating, "We are looking at land now, because we"ve got the sea very well under control."